Oregon’s House of Representatives has just given final approval to a measure – House Bill 3460 – which legalizes medical cannabis dispensaries in the state; the House had already approved the bill, but one last vote was required after the Senateapproved a slightly amended version a few days ago. Now, with the full legislature voting to approve the measure, it heads to the governor for final consideration.

Under the new law, dispensaries will be authorized to become licensed and operational – without fear of state-level prosecution – so long as they follow certain guidelines, such as testing for molds and pesticides, and remaining 1,000 feet from schools.

Under the proposed regulations, over 200 dispensaries are expected to open, finally providing patients in the state with safe access to their medicine. This is a huge step forward given that medical cannabis is legal in the state, yet distribution points are not, forcing many patients to rely on the black-market.

This new law takes effect on March 1st, 2014.

– TheJointBlog

Anthony Martinelli

Anthony is co-founder and Editor-in-Chief of TheJointBlog. He has worked closely with numerous elected officials who support cannabis law reform, including as the former Campaign Manager for King County (WA) Councilmember Dave Upthegrove. He has been published by multiple media outlets, and is a former contributor for Village Voice Media.